Eat, stay, and play like a local in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The Great Burger Round-Up: Grand Rapids’ Must-Try Burger Spots

If you think Grand Rapids beer is good, then just wait until you've tried the burgers! We asked our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter followers where to find the best burgers in town. Then I had the arduous task of researching... and eating. Here are the top five must-try burger joints in town with a few bonus locations thrown in. If there’s another place where you have discovered the best burger in town, please comment below!

Locals love Stella’s Lounge and for good reason! These burgers have been winning awards for years, and are a half pound of cheesy Angus beef. In addition to the usual toppings, Stella’s crowns all of its burgers with a giant onion ring, which makes this burger more of a fork-and-knife meal. All burgers come with chronic fries, which are just spicy enough to require a drink nearby.

It’s no wonder Brewery Vivant’s burger made the list - it’s an 80/20 beef and bacon blend. Vivant is located in a repurposed chapel, so it’s also a unique location to enjoy a cheeseburger. One thing I learned about pairing during Beer Month GR 2017: beer loves burgers. The fat in burgers highlights hop and malt tones, so obviously try a beer while you’re there. If that hearty burger wasn’t enough, The Green Well Gastro Pub is right across the street from Brewery Vivant and has the cheesiest double burger I’ve ever encountered. It turns out that whipped gouda, tomato-bacon aioli, and a Field and Fire bun go very well with beef.

“Brewery Vivant’s burger is so great that I routinely drive from Detroit just to eat there” @ecmcglynn on Instagram
Photo credit: Lyndsay Daly

This is where my husband’s favorite burger lives, so I wasn’t surprised to see this make the list either. Cottage Bar has that laid-back burger bar feel with 13 options to choose from! Some unique burgers on the list include a salmon burger, a chili burger, a Tijuana burger, and a black bean burger.

What locals say: “Cottage Bar hands down has the BEST burger!!!!! I ate it at least once a week throughout both my pregnancies!!!” Emily B. on Facebook

I was relieved when someone mentioned this burger on social media so I didn’t have to comment myself. Butcher’s Union is a new whiskey bar and restaurant just west of downtown on Bridge Street. I’ve been there twice since they opened and ate the burger both times, which is not like me when I’m looking at a new menu. One Bourbon has opened even more recently and is already getting cheeseburger love!

What locals say: “The West Village Double Cheeseburger at Butcher’s Union: the meat is ground in-house, it’s served on an onion brioche bun, and the spicy pickles cap it off. Best burger I’ve ever had in GR” @sarah.I.pepper on Instagram

“Bourbon Burger: ground sirloin, bourbon bacon jam, house-made pickles, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onion, Muenster cheese, ciabatta roll TO DIE FOR! As a matter of fact I just talked myself into going to get one right this second” @michellelynnlund on Instagram

Mr. Burger has six West Michigan locations and definitely has a cult following of burger lovers. They have been around since 1967, and every location retains its vintage charms. As you can see from the comments, the olive burger here is a fan favorite. If you aren’t in the mood for a burger, they also have a full breakfast menu, dinner menu, and fresh-baked pies for dessert!

What locals say: “Olive burger at Mr. Burger. I always make a special stop there when I come home.” Anna A. on Facebook

You can find the must-try turkey burger at Crooked Goose in Standale! This is another example of a restaurant with tons of burgers to choose from, but I can personally vouch for the turkey burger. It has brie, Michigan cherry pepper jam, avocado crema, and applewood-smoked bacon. YUM!

I hope you’re hungry – have a happy hamburger hunt! Did we miss a favorite? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter channels.

Author: Lyndsay Daly

Lyndsay is a secondary teacher in West Michigan. She loves to read, decorate for all four Michigan seasons, and visit new breweries all over town. Lyndsay has been blogging for Experience Grand Rapids since 2014, and maintains that this could be the most exciting place in the world to be living right now. Enjoy Grand Rapids!